Spring Harvest Risotto

This enchanting entree captures the essence of the season, blending the fresh bounty of spring produce with the creamy richness of risotto.

Ingredients:

1 cup of Arborio rice

4 cups of vegetable broth

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup of fresh peas

1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs (such as basil or chives) for garnish

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, warm the vegetable broth over low heat. This will be the base of your luscious risotto, allowing each grain of Arborio rice to soak up the flavors of spring.

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the aromatic oil. Continue stirring for a minute or two, allowing the rice to toast slightly.

Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process until all the broth has been added and the rice is creamy and tender. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, blanch the asparagus and peas in boiling water for just a few minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

Once the risotto is cooked to perfection, stir in the blanched asparagus, peas, and cherry tomatoes. These springtime gems will add a burst of color and freshness to your dish.

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The cheese will add depth and creaminess, while the lemon juice will brighten the flavors and awaken your palate.

Serve your Spring Harvest Risotto immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It's the perfect centerpiece for a springtime dinner, a celebration of seasonal ingredients and the joy they bring.